Motorweek; 2621

It's January in Detroit and that means it's time for the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Come with us for the newest from the Motor City and the world next on Motor Week. Hi I'm Pat Goss welding tips this time. I'm Goss's garage. Hi I'm Enrico Baz and this week going over the edge. Demolition Derby. And will test the new techno luxury Lexus LS 460. So come drive with us next. Helen. Brought to you by cars dot com. Let's say your looking for a car. Cars dot com can help research locate even contact your dealer. Cars dot com find the right car for you and buy Dunlop tires. The search for true performance is part of our heritage. Dunlop is proud to present but Dunlop

drivers Cup were amateurs from around the world to compete head to head in the on and off road competitions. Information at Dunlop tires dot com and by the tire rack. Ever notice how tires are like shoes whether it's every takeoff or seasonally correct. For real reform. The Tire Rack knows how to help you dress appropriately you can learn more at Tire Rack Tucker and buy the Stanley Works makers of maps like 3 6 mine trying to elimination as Stanley is proud to support public television family. Make something great information available at WDW the DOT's Stanley Works dot com. Your host for Motor Week John Davis. Well hello and welcome again to motorway work glad to have you with us. We're really racking up the frequent flyer miles as the global auto show season continues to unfold. And now we've put our tripod down on American soil for Detroit's 2007 North American International Auto Show from niche

brand concepts the big three contenders and everything in between. Detroit is the place to see what America's automotive future holds. For the one hundredth time all roads lead to Motown and the 2007 North American International Auto Show forgot the centennial celebration roaring with the interceptor the baddest four door concept to come out of Detroit in a decade. A blunt Three Bar Grill borrowed from last year's F-250 super cheap concept truck fronts a Ford Racing spider leader 400 horsepower 85 powered V8 and a Mustang derived chassis that looks ready to rock. Ford took the crossover utility up a giant notch with this Airstream concept mixing the classic Airstream shape and shine with advance plug in fuel cell power and gullwing doors. Its aim is to be the greenest seven seater ever. Lincoln borrowed classic styling cues for this futuristic m k r concept while the grill harkens back to the

1941 Lincoln its glass roof big bling wheels and spaceship interior are clearly tomorrow. The restyled 2008 Ford Focus compact sedan and Coupe will be the first vehicles to offer Microsoft's sync digital interface sync allows the driver to access their cell phone and portable music players like iPods using voice commands alone. General Motors topped last year's Chevrolet Camaro coupe concept by removing the top for this near production ready Camaro convertible concept. The long hood short rear flared Fender styling complements a four seat interior that looks like a perfect summer hangout. The Camaro convertible took the catwalk at a store studded event dubbed GM style which included concept cars from around GM swirl. This 50s theme hold an effigy two door coupe from Australia was our favorite. Detroit was also the coming out party for the all new 2008 Cadillac c ts the second generation luxury sports sedan is

smoother yet evolutionary with its hunker down exterior styling and elegant interior design with world beating style and finish rear end all wheel drive the six powers the norm with a high output P-8 CTF V in the wings. This all new 2008 Malibu midsize sedan just might make Chevrolet a major family car provider again sharing its chassis with the Saturn Aura wider front styling draws from the new Silverado. While the interior is larger and much classier power includes a hybrid when it arrives this fall. But GM spigots shock was provided by the Chevrolet Volt concept continuing its green electric car theme begun at the L.A. show the Volt the flex drive system uses only electric power to turn the wheels but that juice can come from plug in batteries and on board flex fuel motor generator or eventually a fuel cell. GM is working to make the Volt a reality within three years. The Chrysler Group on bailed a pair of highly styled people mover concepts the Chrysler

Nassau is a tall five door five seater along the lines of a classic British shooting brake wagon. But it's somewhat retro shape is countered with an ultra modern interior design to entice the iPod crowd with six point one liter himi be a power this carriage really flies this broad shouldered jeep trail Hawk concept is actually based on the chassis of the four door Wrangler Unlimited with Noby pillars removable roof panels and swing up hatch. It's ready for open air adventure in a flash but when it comes to modern people movers it was the 1984 Dodge Caravan that started it all. Now an all new fifth generation single wheel base 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country are ready to stretch the minivan amble over again. The almost slab sided styling previews an ever larger interior complete with innovative swiveling goes second row seating power folding third row and dual screen DVD entertainment. Flat floor stowing go seating is still available as is a new

240 horsepower for leader V-6. The Chrysler Group also unveiled the 2008 Dodge Avenger midsize sedan. Mechanically similar to the Chrysler Sebring its RAM tested styling sets it apart from appliance like rivals. While the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT 10 with a new 600 horsepower v 10 signal that Detroit's horsepower war shows no signs of stopping. And we'll have much more from Detroit later in the program. Coming up over the edge at the demolition derby. Time now for a stop by Goss's garage where this week Pat really turns up the heat. John we get lots of questions about restorations and the most important part of restoring a vehicle is knowing how to weld and having the proper equipment to do that welding with before you get involved in it

though I recommend that you take a welding course something that you don't normally just pick up. Training is much better. Now the different types of welding here we have a gas welding outfit. It uses oxygen and acetylene. It does a very good job. It is easy to learn and it's relatively inexpensive. But they're going to be things where it isn't strong enough for automotive work. Over here we have a version of that that comes from the home center that you can use for light duty jobs. You can weld you can braise you can cut and do lots of things with it but it doesn't go very far. Tanks are small. Now here we have what's called a stick welder or at least that's the sleighing term for it. It's called a stick welder because the welding rod looks like a stick. This is an electric welder this particular one comes from East wood tools and it's

designed for home use. That means that it can be used out of the regular electrical outlet in your garage. All right. Now over here you've heard people talk about wire feed welders. Well this is a wire feed MIG welder. And when you turn this one on it feeds this wire down through a cable to the tip of the welder. And it's actually the wire that acts as the welding rod. It also uses gas to shield the weld for a better weld and a cleaner weld. Now one thing I have to warn you about. And that is that when you start you may have stuff that looks like this. So begin with old metal and practice practice practice. When you get all done if you've practiced enough you'll have the ability to do what

we've done here. Here we have spot welds. These are stitch welds. And here we have a continuous weld and up here are plug welts. Now plug welds are done by punching a hole through one piece of the metal then welding through the hole and filling it up. Such as we've done there. It's a very effective way to attach body panels. Don't forget the safety aspects of this. Electric welders in particular no matter what type they are they produce ultraviolet light. So you need II protection in the eye protection is different for electric welders than gas welders and so on. You need welding gloves. You need long sleeves and you need to be covered up completely because you can get a nasty sunburn from any type of electric welder. Do it right. The results will be very rewarding if you have a question or comment write to me. The address

is Motor Week Owings Mills Maryland 2 1 1 1 7. We love all things cars throw in a good cause in our motor we crew turns out in mass and that's what landed us in Arcadia Maryland ready to race in our first demolition derby. And who better to lead this smash up mission than our own over the edge commander Henrico pads. When you're behind the wheel cruising down the road the last thing you want to have is an accident. A big wreck means a big repair bill. That is unless it is for fun in charity and there's money to be won. The demolition derby. It's a sport that goes way past the idea of rubbing is racing a true test of man and machine where only the strong and still running survive. And in Arcadia Maryland on the first Saturday of every month between May and September that's exactly what goes down. Organized by the Arcadia volunteer fire department the Derby offers anyone over the age of 18. Younger of a parent signs a waiver for the

chance to bang it out for Top rights in two different events. The first a short track style race were racking up laps is more important than wrecking up cars though of course that does happen. The second being an all out metal crunching melee where the last car running takes top honors. To experience this most rough and tumble form of racing I along with Motor Week cohorts Ben Davis and Brian Robinson decided to field a car at Arcadia behold the Motor Week 1972 Cadillac Coupe Deville buckle up it's going to get pretty bumpy. More than just at the beach your opponents into submission kind of event. This demolition derby revolves around having a good time with friends and family were totaling someone else's car is just par for the course. Competitors and spectators alike come from far and wide for the races. Some show up to watch their favorite drivers Some come for the giddy thrill of watching not so perfectly good automobiles be destroyed and a great many more are there just to kick back and enjoy this truly homegrown sport. Driver mechanic Dan Graff from the brace of motorsports is one of the many that make sure he's

at every race because to him the demo derby is more than just racing. It's the thrill and the chance to help others. It's an adrenaline rush. What it is then I'll know IRL Shingo world you can destroy a car not have to worry about it you know. But. And if someone else needs a hand in the pits at this race at least it's all for one and one for all. You know Wendy if she calls me up says I'm having problems you can help. Sure you know. Do thou drop what I'm doing and go make sure that she can run and Wendy runs all right. A five year vet of the demo derby she mixes it up with the other drivers just about every race when she jumps into the driver's seat has time to get her No. Better. Time. Like in the doctor me I think that mentally. I really like God some people can take it or leave it I think I got there everybody that me and not. I like to do it I guess out is the feeling that I can't tell it anymore. What's really great is that the entire event is for charity. Ticket sales entry

fees and concession earnings go right to the volunteer fire department. It's the perfect way to have some fun and help the men and women in red. And that's precisely what a crowd favorite psycho Steve keeps in his mind when he's out bending benders. My wife and my son gave me this like usually when I've been gone is six years and I usually do the craziest on time and it helps the fire department keep their stuff running there are public jobs and waiting on the market mom it's going to mean I'm going to them so I crunched the numbers. Loan engines and shredded tires. It's all par for the course in a demo derby. And heck yeah this arena it's all intentional. You're probably wondering how the motor retimed fared after all the tire spinning and metal crunching came to an end rant. You did. Good. Well when it was all said and done you know third place trophy in our hands in a new appreciation for seat belts and helmets. Not bad for the first time. So if you want to get involved in auto racing and have access to a car that you can beat the heck out of. Check out demo derby. Because sometimes to enjoy you must

destroy. Now it's time to head back to the Motor City for the global view from the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The 2007 North American International Auto Show opened with a clean sweep by General Motors s forty nine independent automotive journalist pick the Chevrolet Silverado as the 2007 North American truck of the year and the Saturn Aura as the 2007 North American Car of the year. The awards proved GM products are now capable of taking on and beating the world's best. That includes America's top import brand name Toyota. They impress the Detroit crowd with more details on the 2007 Tundra. This crew Max crew camp with a three hundred eighty one horsepower 5.7 leader V8 joins in the extended double cab and regular cab ready to go head to head with a big pick up from Ford GM and Don. Exploiting their success in hybrids. Toyota calls this FTA H.S. hybrid concept. The sports car

of the future. Fast fun and frugal. The knife edge 2 plus 2 FTTH eSports a 400 horsepower V-6 hybrid drive for an expected 0 to 60 time of under 5 seconds. The Lexus son of Toyota introduced its first factory super to model the 2008. I asked inside scoop body is a 400 horsepower 5 leader V8 no doubt at Lexus F stands for fast. Clearly aimed at the CRV this handsomely styled 2008 Nissan Rogue arrives with the ultimate 170 horsepower high for an CBT transmission this spring. But with its broadband styling asymmetrical doors and full flat floor this Nissan bevel concept takes the all activity vehicle to a devilishly new level. The star of the Mazda stand was this real good concept Japanese for gracious blow this big grin flex fuel coop gives more clues as to the brand's future styling.

Mazda also unveiled a redesigned 2008 tribute crossover utility adding a hybrid ATV model for the first time Mitsubishi launched its prototype 10 concept that foretells the production Evo 10 Hyundai looks to move upscale with the 2007 Vera Cruz seven passenger crossover utility. Larger than the Santa Fe they carefully sculpted Vera Cruz will come with a three point eight leader B6 and numerous high end feature Hyundai SR brand is busy developing a sporty high performance image with their new q concept. It's flowing three door shape hides a surprising 400 plus horsepower V-8 Honda has never showed a concept of a future of Ford model until now. This Accord Coupe concept tells us to expect dramatic restyling for the eighth generation of poor due this fall. Hondas premium Acura brand gave this strong hint for a replacement of the NSX exotic sports car. If there shaves can advance sports car concept is to be believed it will switch from mid engine B6 to front engine

all will drive the 10 power European makes weight end with a wide variety of news. The 2007 BMW 3 Series convertible covers its interior with a three piece retractable steel top for the first time. Still in concept form is the Mercedes-Benz ocean drive the 600 base Ford or convertible revival is powered by a twin turbo V 12 while the ocean drive may never make it to production. This vision G.L. for 20 Blu tack utility concept will this 50 state legal diesel V8 arrives next year. Detroit also got its first good look at the second generation smart for two longer wider but still tiny. The 45 MPG two seater coupe and convertible goes on sale here a year from now. As the core of Ford's premier Automotive Group Volvo took center stage with a tech see 60 concept the decidedly edgier styling of this compact crossover chairs its chassis with Land Rovers new LR 2 and will reach

production in 2009. But before then we'll see a replacement for the Jaguar S-type that will look very much like to see x f concept the Rolls-Royce 180 X convertible concept will make production as the phantom drop head coupe complete with suicide doors of the 12 works under the optional stainless steel hood. Finally Chong pung motor became the first Chinese auto company to display on a main floor at Cobo Hall. Their collection of SUV Zimm pickups could enter the North American market in 2008. And that's our view from the Motor City and a 2007 North American International Auto Show. Lexus means world class luxury. There's no question about it. Yet park next to a Mercedes or BMW the brand still has the image of more luxury copy than pioneer. To change that perception once and for all. Lexus Thanks embracing technology is the key. And their new flagship LS 460 may be the most technologically advanced production car in the world.

But is the high tech way the right road to travel. Right or wrong the almost too numerous to mention intelligent vehicle features packed into the 2007 Lexus LS 460. Certainly make it up progressive way to travel. A laundry list of electronic driving aides comfort features an active safety systems highlights the new LSA spec sheet many of these systems are updates of existing technology. But one innovative feature really has people talking. The ability of the new LS to park itself. Using the car as a backup camera and sonar parking sensors the advance parking guidance system in the LS 460 actually takes control of the vehicle steering and throttle to guide it into a parallel or backend parking spot. The driver must still carefully position the car to begin with and control the speed by general use of the brakes. But otherwise the LS really does park itself. If only it could fill its

own gas tank and change the oil too many of our younger staffers caught on to the self park quickly. While some of the older dogs in our kennel who more closely match the typical LS owners age weren't so easily sold in theory or practice arguing that owners of this car wore likely to valet park in the city then leave it on the street anyway. There was no argument on our staff about the styling of the new LS However Lexus uses words like prominent strength and dignity to describe the design and we can see why a lower profile grille is flanked by a pair of stunning crystal like head lamp housings. The eye is drawn backwards by deeply sculpted vendor lights pass an elegantly arched prove to the high but relatively short rear deck lid inside the LS 460 coddles its passengers with a cozy seating area and a more open airy feel above the belt line polished wooden stitched leather abound while soft touch controls fall equally the hand for either driver or

front seat passenger. Our test car featured the optional 9000 speaker Mark Levinson surround sound stereo it shares a 30 gig hard drive with a voice activated nav system and can store as many as 2000 digital songs. Standard rear seat amenities are impressive but opting for the long wheelbase LS 460 l gains nearly five inches of leg room and opens up a wider range of executive class comfort options. Also sharing the long wheelbase platform will be a hybrid drive LS 600 hl due this spring. Until then power for this big Lexus comes from a 4.6 leader for Kam V8 with both port and direct injection output is three hundred eighty horsepower and three hundred sixty seven pound feet of torque reaching the street through a silky ultra of fission and car tems first eight speed automatic flatten the throttle and the LS will sprint to 60 in five point eight seconds. Let it run a little further in the quarter mile marker passes in just fourteen point three seconds at

102 mph. Out on the road the LS 460 displays a well-mannered ride ballast with impressively responsive handling the fully independent multi link suspension is aided by integrated vehicle dynamics management that monitor steering front wheel angle and a host of stability systems to keep everything on the chosen path. Ordering the role controlling air suspension also garners active electric power steering that is precise if lacking in German rival road feel. Government fuel economy ratings for the LS 460 stand at one thousand city and twenty seven highway. Our tester returned a respectable average of 23 miles per gallon on premium gas. The 2007 Lexus LS 460 earns an energy impact score of fifteen point six barrels of oil per year bettering the biggest sedans for Mercedes Audi and BMW. Amazingly with all its technology the LS 460 beats those competitors on price to pay sticker for the LS 460 is sixty one thousand seven

hundred fifteen dollars. The LS 460 l starts at seventy one thousand seven hundred fifteen dollars. The 2007 Lexus LS 460 is a high tech tour de force. Yet while it retains the atmosphere and serenity of a classic luxury sedan its technology serves to enhance the driving experience without overwhelming it. To us that is its greatest achievement. The new LS also serves notice to other premium car makers that it's time for them to step up or be left behind. Oh I hope you'll join us next week for more motor week. When we'll put a fleet of fuel efficient Compaq utilities to the test and then take off in Saturn's new outlook crossover. I'm John Davis. We'll see you then. To learn more about Motor Week TV's original automotive magazine visit PBS dot org. To order a DVD or

VHS copy of this program call 1 800 8 7 3 6 1 5 4 Motorway has been brought to you by cars dot com. Let's say your looking for a car. Cars dot com can help research locate even contact a dealer. Cars dot com find the right car for you and buy Dunlop tires. The search for a true performance is part of our heritage. Dunlop is proud to present but Dunlop drivers Cup were amateurs from around the world to compete head to head in the on and off road competitions of information at Dunlop tires dot com and by the tire rack offering a wide selection of tires wheels added more with professional advice and online shopping tools plus a national network of tile rack recommended installers add by the Stanley Works makers of max life 3 6 9 tripod elimination tools Stanley is proud to support public television steadily. Make something great

information available at w w w dot Stanley Works dot com. This program was produced by American Public Television which is soley responsible for its content. We are PBS.